Blog

The Power of Planning: Transform Your Follow-Ups into Success

Success in business and life doesn’t happen by chance—it happens by planning. As Rick Guerrero, a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, emphasizes, preparation is everything. He starts each week by creating a call log every Sunday, setting the foundation for intentional and productive interactions. His approach mirrors NAHREP Discipline #2: Be in the top 10% of your profession by taking your craft seriously and working toward mastery. Learn more about the NAHREP 10 Disciplines here.

Sara Mendez Rodriguez, CEO of Titan Title & Chairperson for the Hispanic Wealth Project, suggests a themed call log to ensure balance and variety. For example:

  • Monday: VIPs
  • Wednesday: Focus on hot leads.
  • Friday: Reach out to business partners.
  • Weekend: Dedicate time to friends, family, and birthday celebrations​.

Download Mark’s Call Log

Why Following Up Matters

According to statistics, 70% of buyers and sellers choose a real estate agent based on referrals from friends and family​. This underscores the importance of maintaining personal and professional connections. Planning calls with intention, as suggested by Rick and Sara, ensures you never miss an opportunity to nurture these relationships.

Real Estate Insights for Relationships

To add his personal touch to the call log, Mark Pinilla, a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, added the weekend column. Birthdays and family milestones aren’t just personal—they can be professional goldmines. Studies show that buyers and sellers often prefer working with someone they know and trust​. By incorporating these touchpoints into your weekend calls, you position yourself as their go-to expert when the time comes.

Action Plan with Mark Pinilla

For those looking to maximize their wealth-building strategy, contact Mark Pinilla, a trusted resource for investment properties and real estate expertise. Waiting is not in your best interest—contact Mark here.

Additional Resources

Valor & Unity Expo

The vision behind the Valor and Unity Expo is an exposition of military branches, university recruiters, and veterans where students and families can come out and speak to them to have an overall better understanding of their options post-secondary. The event will also include competitive events, workshops, and keynote speeches to further the education and foster competitiveness in the community of Miami Dade County. The motive for the creation of the event is to raise awareness on the major issues that plague the veteran community, further the education of the community on these issues, and a demonstration of all post-secondary options for families.

Mark Pinilla Presenting:

    • Investing in Real Estate for Veterans
      • Preparing to Invest
      • Advantages and disadvantages of Investing
      • VA Loan benefits

About Mark Pinilla the speaker:

Overseeing over 250 investment properties across Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Mark Pinilla is a top-producing property manager for Keyes Property Management. Leveraging his nearly 30 years of combined property management and real estate experience, Mark provides turnkey services for property owners and investors, maximizing their returns while serving tenants’ needs. Furthermore, his strong work ethic and trustworthiness have awarded him exclusive responsibilities, including training new employees, planning and executing REALTOR® marketing materials and events, and operating as the test pilot for new initiatives. Mark is also a real estate agent at The Keyes Company. Supporting 1000+ REALTORS® in their real estate transactions as a primary resource and manager only, his seasoned expertise includes landlord/tenant laws, lease drafting, and service animal and ESA regulations.

Mark’s integrity and honesty are so well regarded that he has held security clearance with the Department of Defense. He also forges strong business relationships with his natural networking ability and is relentlessly driven to serve and inspire others. He has achieved greater purpose in his career as a Certified Trainer for NAHREP (National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals) and as a trainer for the Miami Association of REALTORS®, and he’s always open to speaking opportunities. Mark’s impassioned efforts extend to his personal life and include the nonprofit he launched, Vet Info, which advocates for the mental health of our heroic military veterans. He’s also taught Sunday School, participated in the Dolphin Cancer Challenge, and is CERT-certified with the Red Cross’ Community Emergency Response Team.

Mark holds a liberal arts degree with a minor in Spanish and a certificate in Latin American affairs. He further nurtured his advanced Spanish-speaking skills while studying abroad and embarking on a banking internship, both in Ecuador. Originally from San Jose, California, Mark has lived in Doral, Florida, since 1998. One of his biggest priorities is spending time with his wife and two daughters. He also enjoys trying new restaurants, friendly gatherings at home, exercising, outdoor activities, and creating WordPress websites.

Additional Resources:
Get more information on Property Management
Get more information on Real Estate

Hispanic Financial Services: Empowering Families for Wealth

For Hispanic families in America, the journey toward generational wealth is rooted in resilience, ambition, and community. Hispanic Financial Services play a pivotal role in this pursuit, offering tools that can transform earnings into sustainable prosperity. Yet, barriers remain, and for true equity, systemic changes are necessary. Here’s how Hispanics engage with financial services and what needs to evolve to unlock their full potential.

A Foundation of Hispanic Financial Engagement

Contrary to common myths, Hispanic households are actively engaged in the financial system through Hispanic Financial Services. In fact, 96% of Hispanic households have a checking account, showcasing a strong foundation for managing day-to-day finances. Digital financial tools are particularly popular within the community, with 92% of Hispanics using fintech apps for banking, investing, or budgeting. This openness to technology offers a gateway to deeper financial participation.

However, deeper barriers to generational wealth remain, including lower participation in non-cash financial investments. Only 43.7% of Hispanic households own financial assets like stocks, retirement accounts, or bonds, compared to 68.2% of the general population. This gap highlights the need for expanded access and targeted education.

Challenges in Hispanic Financial Services

  1. Limited Access to Financial Products: Many Hispanic families encounter obstacles in accessing wealth-building products. Traditional underwriting practices often overlook self-employed individuals or those with non-W2 income, which disproportionately impacts Hispanic households. Expanding the adoption of alternative underwriting methods, such as cash-flow-based assessments, could open doors for millions.
  2. Cultural and Linguistic Barriers: Financial institutions often fail to meet Hispanic consumers where they are. Bilingual customer service, culturally relevant financial products, and targeted marketing can help bridge these gaps.
  3. Lack of Representation in Financial Services: The underrepresentation of Hispanics in financial advisory roles limits trust and access. As of 2023, only 8.3% of financial analysts and 8.6% of financial advisors were Hispanic. Increasing this share is crucial for building rapport and guiding families through wealth-building strategies.
Hispanic Financial Services

Advancing Hispanic Financial Services

  1. Enhance Financial Literacy: Expanding bilingual education on retirement planning, stock market fundamentals, and the power of compound interest can empower families to start investing earlier. Financial literacy should also emphasize discipline #6 of the NAHREP 10 Disciplines: “Know your net worth including the value of your business because you can’t improve what you don’t measure.”
  2. Leverage Technology: Fintech platforms tailored to Hispanic consumers—offering Spanish-language support and culturally relevant features—can drive participation in savings, investing, and insurance.
  3. Expand Access to Investment Products: Financial institutions must simplify access to retirement accounts, mutual funds, and other long-term investment vehicles. Flexible contributions and reduced fees can make these options more accessible for first-time investors.
  4. Increase Representation in Financial Services: Programs to recruit and train Hispanic financial advisors will foster trust within the community, creating pathways for wealth-building advice that resonates culturally.

A Call to Action

Hispanic families have the ambition and drive to build generational wealth. What they need are the right tools and an equitable financial system that supports their journey. By addressing gaps in financial literacy, access, and representation, Hispanic Financial Services can become a true partner in creating sustainable wealth.

If you’re ready to start building wealth through real estate and investments, reach out to Mark Pinilla for personalized guidance. Waiting isn’t an option when opportunities abound.

Additional Resources:
Get more information on Property Management
Get more information on Real Estate

#HispanicWealthProject #SustainableGenerationalWealth #WealthBuilding #Homeownership #NAHREP10 #TrainersInAction #EducacionFinanciera #LatinoWealth #Finhabits #RaicesyRiquezas #FinancialLeadership #GenerationalWealth #MarkPinilla

NAHREP Mastermind with Partners 2025

NAHREP South Florida and its esteemed partners will gather for a collaborative Mastermind session. This event will focus on how NAHREP South Florida can better support its partners while evaluating past events for actionable improvements to strengthen relationships.

📅 Date: January 14, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM

Don’t miss this opportunity to share ideas, network, and build stronger partnerships for the future!

For more information or if you want to be a NAHREP South Florida partner, contact Mark Pinilla. 

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The Wealth-Building Power of Homeownership

Homeownership isn’t just a roof over your head—it’s a cornerstone of wealth-building, particularly for the Hispanic community. As the Hispanic Wealth Project™ outlines, homeownership is one of the most effective pathways to narrowing the wealth gap and fostering generational financial security. In fact, owning a home can significantly multiply household wealth, enabling families to thrive for generations.

Homeownership: The American Dream and Beyond

Owning a home is a classic symbol of the American Dream, representing stability, pride, and accomplishment. But its impact goes deeper. According to the 2024 State of Hispanic Wealth Report, the median net worth of Hispanic homeowners is $233,100, over 26 times higher than Hispanic renters. This wealth stems largely from home equity—a reliable, appreciating asset that serves as a financial foundation for future investments, education, or business ventures.

Building Wealth Through Real Estate

For many Hispanic families, homeownership isn’t just about having a place to call their own—it’s about building an ecosystem of financial growth. The equity gained from homeownership often acts as a springboard for other investments, including real estate. Hispanic buyers are entering the market earlier, with nearly 45% of Latino homebuyers under age 35.

Moreover, the Hispanic Wealth Project aims to increase the rate of Hispanic investment property ownership by 25%. By investing in real estate beyond primary residences, families can diversify their income and build even greater financial resilience.

NAHREP Discipline: Be Politically Savvy

One key to unlocking these opportunities is understanding the policies that shape access to homeownership. Advocating for affordable housing policies, first-time buyer incentives, and equitable mortgage practices can open the door for more Hispanic families to enter the housing market. This aligns with NAHREP’s discipline to “Be Politically Savvy” by staying informed about legislation that impacts wealth-building opportunities.

Your Partner in Real Estate Wealth

Whether you’re purchasing your first home or expanding into investment properties, having the right guidance is essential. Mark Pinilla, an expert in real estate and investment properties, can help you navigate this journey. Reach out to Mark at markpinilla.com to take the next step toward financial freedom.

Additional Resources:
Get more information on Property Management
Get more information on Real Estate

#HispanicWealthProject #SustainableGenerationalWealth #WealthBuilding #Homeownership #NAHREP10 #TrainersInAction #EducacionFinanciera #LatinoWealth #Finhabits #RaicesyRiquezas #FinancialLeadership #GenerationalWealth #MarkPinilla

Busting the Myth: Hispanics Don’t Just Buy Low-Income Homes

A common stereotype about Hispanic homebuyers is that they only purchase homes in low-income areas. However, the data tells a different story. In 2023, 71% of real estate purchases by Hispanic borrowers were in middle- and upper-income neighborhoods, with only 4% in low-income areas. This shows that Hispanic homebuyers are not just entering the market—they’re investing in neighborhoods with long-term growth potential.

Why This Myth Persists

This misconception likely stems from outdated views of Hispanic economic mobility. In reality, Hispanic homebuyers are thriving in markets traditionally considered more affluent, particularly as they seek to build generational wealth. Many are drawn to high-cost metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and Miami, where opportunities for equity growth are higher.

The Future of Hispanic Homebuying

A Growing Market Segment

Hispanics are the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S., making up 30% of new household growth over the past decade. With a median age of 30, younger than any other group, this community will dominate the homebuying market in the coming decades.

Younger Buyers

Nearly 45% of Hispanic homebuyers in 2023 were under the age of 35, compared to 40% of non-Hispanic buyers. This trend indicates that Hispanics are entering the market earlier, giving them more time to build equity.

Strong Affordability and Accessibility Needs

While Hispanics are purchasing in higher-income neighborhoods, barriers like limited housing inventory and affordability challenges remain. Industry professionals and policymakers must focus on solutions such as affordable housing initiatives and innovative lending practices to keep this momentum going.

How the Industry Can Support Hispanic Homebuyers

  1. Bilingual Services
    Offering Spanish-language support for homebuying services ensures accessibility and trust in the process.
  2. Culturally Relevant Programs
    Addressing multigenerational housing needs, common among Hispanic households, will make the market more inclusive.
  3. Advocating for Affordable Housing
    Policymakers should support zoning reforms and funding for affordable housing projects to increase inventory and access.

Conclusion

The myth that Hispanics only purchase homes in low-income areas is not supported by the facts. This growing community is reshaping the housing market by investing in middle- and upper-income neighborhoods and driving demand in key markets. With the right support, Hispanics will continue to lead the way in homeownership, building wealth and opportunities for generations to come.

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#HispanicHomebuyers #RealEstateTrends #WealthBuilding #HispanicWealth #NAHREP #Homeownership #HispanicWealthProject #SustainableGenerationalWealth #WealthBuilding #NAHREP10 #TrainersInAction #EducacionFinanciera #LatinoWealth #Finhabits
#RaicesyRiquezas #FinancialLeadership #GenerationalWealth
#MarkPinilla

NAHREP West Broward – Gala – 2025

Installation Gala is on January 17, 2025, where we will welcome the new NAHREP West Broward board. Everyone is invited members, sponsors, and supporters—to join the new board for this grand evening of celebration, a glamorous masquerade gala. NAHREP West Broward look forward to sharing this special night with you!

@nahrepwestbroward

Happy Holidays! – ¡Felices fiestas! 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, let’s take a moment to reflect on what truly matters—family, friends, and the time we share. These are the gifts we often overlook but cherish the most.

This holiday season, as we gather with loved ones, let’s celebrate the moments of joy and resilience that have defined this year. Let’s also look forward with hope to the opportunities of the new year. Whether you’re toasting with friends, laughing with family, or simply soaking in the quiet moments, remember that these are the treasures that make life meaningful.

Here’s to making 2024 a year filled with love, growth, and togetherness. Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year.

Al cerrar el 2024, tomemos un momento para reflexionar sobre lo que realmente importa: la familia, los amigos y el tiempo que compartimos. Estos son los regalos que a menudo pasamos por alto pero valoramos más profundamente.

En esta temporada festiva, mientras nos reunimos con nuestros seres queridos, celebremos los momentos de alegría y resiliencia que han definido este año. Miremos también con esperanza hacia las oportunidades del nuevo año. Ya sea brindando con amigos, riendo con la familia o simplemente disfrutando de los momentos tranquilos, recordemos que estos son los tesoros que hacen significativa la vida.

Brindemos por hacer del 2024 un año lleno de amor, crecimiento y unión. Les deseamos a ustedes y a sus familias unas felices fiestas y un próspero año nuevo.

Mark Pinilla asks Garry Acosta a question at a NAHREP Leadership event in Denver, Colorado.

Investment Property Management
& Real Estate Services

Supporting landlords with their ROI through rent collections, maintenance, evictions, and bookkeeping. It is a turnkey key system for investors who live abroad or for owners who do not want to deal with the day to day operations of their investment business. 

Contact Mark today!
📸 Follow us on Instagram! @savvy.pm.org
📸 Follow us on Instagram! @markpinillarealtor

Speaker & Trainer


Mark Pinilla is a passionate speaker and trainer dedicated to creating awareness and driving change for veterans mental health, homeownership, and generational wealth. 

As a Certified Trainer for NAHREP’s 10 Disciplines, he shares the wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement behind his success. Mark is also a trainer for the Miami Association of REALTORS® and The Keyes Company.

More Information
📸 Follow us on Instagram! @markpinilla

National Association of Hispanic
Real Estate Professionals

Mark Pinilla, incoming 2025 Co-Educational Director of NAHREP South Florida and a NAHREP 10 Certified Trainer, is passionate about advancing the Hispanic Wealth Project’s mission. Discovering NAHREP’s commitment to empowering communities through sustainable generational wealth and homeownership, he found their values to be fully aligned with his own vision for long-term economic impact.
 

More Information
📸 Follow us on Instagram! @nahrepsouthflorida

Dedicated to supporting veterans
and their mental health. 

Our organization, a 501(c)(3), was created for and by veterans with the help of others who support our Military Hero’s. Vet Info is a one-stop website with essential information for discounts, services, programs and so much more.

Support Vet Info in its journey to reduce the #22, the number of suicides committed by veterans everyday.

More Information
📸 Follow us on Instagram! @vetinfo4vets

Support Military Veterans

Homeownwership & Housing Policy Conference

Celebrate NAHREP’s 25th anniversary at the 2025 Homeownership & Housing Policy Conference, where industry leaders, government officials, policymakers, and advocates come together to shape the future of Hispanic homeownership and economic prosperity.

Discover fundamental strategies through exclusive briefings, panel discussions, and workshops on market trends, housing supply, and mortgage lending insights. Engage in critical conversations shaping housing policy and connect with peers dedicated to driving meaningful change, equipping you to navigate an evolving market.